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2004 Moll Classic Custom

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SN# 266704, label hand signed by the builder

Body size at lower bout: 17", Body Depth: 3" Scale length: 25 1/2" Nut: 1 3/4" Neck depth, 1st/10th frets: .76/.90

Materials: Solid bookmatched hand graduated solid spruce top; hand graduated solid AAA flame maple back, sides and neck; solid ebony fingerboard; pearl fingerboard and headstock inlay; 9-ply body neck and headstock binding; triple-bound f-holes; solid bone nut.

Hardware: All original ebony hardware includes inlaid hand carved tailpiece, compensated adjustable bridge, and tuner keys; gold Schaller 16X1 tuners; floating Moll signature Handwound Armstrong humbucking pickup with volume control, 1/4" endpin jack; bound leopard tortoise pickguard.

Notes: Since Bill Moll started making archtops a quarter century ago, the field has seen a proliferation of independent builders. While most contemporary archtops sound decent enough through an amp, very few can cut the mustard unplugged. Happily, this was not a problem at Moll's workshop in Springfield, Missouri. Guitars like this Classic Custom were built from the ground up as acoustic instruments first and foremost, and sound terrific under amplification as well.

Moll guitars have been popular among a number of top performers including John and Bucky Pizzarelli, and are designed and built to the most exacting specifications. The tops are supported with extremely narrow and deeply scalloped braces of very low mass, designed to minimize interference with the vibration of the soundboard. The backs are zone-graduated to optimize acoustic response.

The truss rod in the 5-ply neck is reinforced with bars of nickel plated, cold rolled steel, both to strengthen the neck, and to resist the dissipation of tone and volume away from the soundbox. Finally, the deco-design soundholes are designed to allow the X-braced top to perform at maximum efficiency, as well as providing a distinctive neo-traditional appearance. The result is a instrument of notable projection and clarity, a true acoustic archtop for the 21st century.

Inspired by the innovative instruments of the late Jimmy D'Aquisto, this Ckassic Custom is just 6lb 4oz, lightweight and well balanced on the lap or the strap. The body and neck are crafted of spectacularly figured tiger flame maple throughout, resting effortlessly under the arm. A floating Moll signature Handwound Armstrong humbucking pickup is installed, for a sumptuous, traditional bop era tone, and the action is smooth and low with a fresh high precision setup.

The neck is elegantly carved, with a notably sleek D profile, just over 3/4" in depth at the first fret. The instrument projects a clear, resonant voice, even and well balanced across its range. Maintained in showroom condition, the guitar has all original hardware and finish, free of pick, buckle, thumb, fret, and fingerboard wear, without checking in the warmly ambered honey blonde lacquer finish.

And Moll's hardshell cases are every bit as amazing as the instruments they protect: industrial strength flight grade fiberglass cases fabricated by the maker himself. Moll's guitars were built to order, and since his retirement have become even more highly coveted by players and collectors alike. A rare and welcome find, and a marvel of tone, design and playability. One only: call now.

Setup: This instrument is strung with medium gauge nickel roundwound strings (.013-.056). The guitar will accommodate lighter or heavier gauge strings, according to preference. String action is set at 4/64" to 5/64" at the 12th fret, with moderate relief for acoustic playing with medium strings. The action may be lowered or raised to your requirements with the adjustable bridge.

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